School Ambassadors: Program brings together students from Gastonia, Gotha

Gotha students visit German HN students at Forestview High School.

By Sabine Schmid-Rankin

Published: Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 06:06 PM.

Six students from Gastonia’s Sister City in Gotha Germany in the state of Thuringia visited Forestview High School twice. They shadowed their American host students in different classes and also talked to the German class students. Many questions were asked from favorite music to politics. Four German students were also invited to read the morning news on TV. Here are some highlights from this exchange.

Issues facing youth

Since most students were hosted by German Honors students one class period was dedicated to group work discussing issues facing youth in Gotha (pronounced go-tah) and Gaston County. Topics discussed included:

Young people are far more involved in religion in US than in Germany

Not many young people are in religious youth groups in Germany, but a lot more in US.

Dependence of social media very similar.

Cell phones are not allowed in both schools in both countries. But students try to use them anyway.

Six students from Gastonia’s Sister City in Gotha Germany in the state of Thuringia visited Forestview High School twice. They shadowed their American host students in different classes and also talked to the German class students. Many questions were asked from favorite music to politics. Four German students were also invited to read the morning news on TV. Here are some highlights from this exchange.

Issues facing youth

Since most students were hosted by German Honors students one class period was dedicated to group work discussing issues facing youth in Gotha (pronounced go-tah) and Gaston County. Topics discussed included:

Young people are far more involved in religion in US than in Germany

Not many young people are in religious youth groups in Germany, but a lot more in US.

Dependence of social media very similar.

Cell phones are not allowed in both schools in both countries. But students try to use them anyway.

Reflections of exchange students

Participants were asked what was positive and what was puzzling about the host country?

Positive about the US: People are more open; everything is bigger; guys are nicer; fast cars; free refills on drinks; low prices; great shopping; loved paintball; beautiful and big cars;

Positive about Germany: Public transportation; everything so close; more open space around cities for everybody; visiting the historic places and to see how people really live; food was amazing; beautiful countryside and nature; fun outdoors festivals; small buildings; shorter classes; stricter classes; young people may drink beer and wine at age 16 – this can be positive but is certainly also misused.

Puzzling about US: More religion; more waste of resources (recyclables, electricity, huge cars; little car sharing; classes are much longer in US (90 minutes vs. 45); less healthy food; everything is so sweet!; more crime; importance and dependence of cars; police officer at the school;

Puzzling about Germany: Drinks only room temperature, no ice; prices are higher (gas for example); you have to pay to go to the restroom; visiting a town which was split during the time when Germany was divided – it was a very sad experience and made me realize that even families were separated. How wonderful that Germany is no reunited.

All agreed: It was great to be able to apply the host country’s language, even if it was just a little. It made us overcome that famous hump of shyness. Living in a foreign family opens your eyes and mind and makes you more tolerant. It makes you reflect on your own culture and become aware that the world is a complex place. Issues can be good or bad, they are certainly different. Both cultures are close enough to be able to relate to them. Many youth issues were similar.

About the exchange

10 German students went to Gotha — six from Forestview and four from Ashbrook. They all received a scholarship, depending on need. The scholarships came from the German foundation from Charlotte (germanfoundaiton.com) The amount received last year was $ 10,250. Without the support of the German Foundation we would not be able to send so many students to Gotha.

When

June 9-24: the German students visited Gotha.

Oct. 15-28: German students visited Gastonia.

The experience

Students typically travel and sight see in the area. They live with their host families. They visit the schools twice to experience a typical school day in the host country. Students meet with city officials. Criteria for being chosen as German scholars to represent our city in Gotha include being enrolled in German program at either Ashbrook or Forestview, having good grades, recommendations; being a good ambassador; undergoing an interview with Sister-City officials; and a recommendation from German teacher;

This year the principal of the high school in Gotha Clemens Festag and his wife were chaperones of the 10 German students. He was able to meet with the Ashbrook Principal Joey Clinton, and Forestview Principal Chadwick Carper, and had their cultural exchange on school life, policies, students, different school types and vocational training.